The Tribune

FREEPORT, Bahamas – Over 500 competitors enjoyed perfect weather conditions, beautiful scenery and a world-class route at the annual Grand Bahama Dog Days Half Marathon.

Event organisers designed a competition of international standards with a Bahamian flair, in celebration of the 5th anniversary, which successfully attracted runners from the United States, the Caribbean and throughout The Bahamas.

“This year’s marathon exceeded our expectations,” said Dog Days co-director Nikki Waugh. “We never imagined that this small race would grow into what it has become today. We are proud that runners from all over the United States and the Caribbean Islands came to Grand Bahama to compete in the marathon.

“As two working moms, Siobhan and I worked extremely hard on this, and we are thankful to our title sponsor the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA). Dog Days Half Marathon has truly grown because of their support.”

The routes for the half marathon, 10k race, 5k race, and one-mile fun run/walk began and ended at Taino Beach with a Junkanoo rushout. International competitors marvelled at the scenic atmosphere and appreciated the attention given to race details by organisers.

“The support on the water stations setup along the routes, and the very cool ‘swag bags’ was great,” said one new competitor. “It’s my first time signing up with my office and I got a Dog Days UPF Sun shirt, a cool Aliv water bottle, GPBA wrist bands with zippers, stickers, coupons and the recycle bag! Impressive.”

One of the big highlights of the day was the race after party. Participants celebrated their big finish on Taino Beach, where they relaxed and enjoyed music, purchased fresh produce from Regal Imports, delicious waffles from The Wild Wagon and ice cold Sands Beer from Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company, one of the event’s sponsors.

Amid the festivities, many persons complimented the Dog Days organising committee for executing a professionally organised event, and vowed to participate again next year.

“I loved the route! It was absolutely beautiful”, remarked 5K competitor Jessica Russell. “The weather was perfect and the swag bags were great. This is the first time I’ve ever received sunblock in a marathon gift bag! I will definitely be back next year.”

Winning first-place in the half marathon (13.1 miles) male and female categories, were Oneill Williams from Nassau, with a time of one hour and 13 minutes quickly followed by Cecilia Mobuchon from St Martin, with a time of one hour and 22 minutes.

Each winner received a beautiful handmade glass trophy and a cash prize of $1,000.

The first-place winners in the 10k, male and female categories were Fabian Burrows, with a time of 46:23, representing FCP Run Club and Annabelle Sykes, with a time of 51:12.

Both winners received new mobile phones from Dog Days event sponsor Aliv.

Celebrations heightened as the winners in the various categories were announced.

For a second year in a row, The Beacon School emerged as the winners of the Dog Days School Challenge.

The undefeated champions will receive $500 for their first-place win and the school will also be treated to celebratory pizza party by their sponsors MSC Freeport (Bahamas).

The Grand Bahama Port Authority was the overall winner of the Corporate Challenge with Grand Bahama Power Company edging in to second, beating out third-place winner Freeport Container Port (FCP). First place winners in the 5k, male and female categories were Matthew Stephens, time 19:53 and Tracey Eckert, time 24:21.

Both winners won tickets on Bahamas Paradise Cruise. In the children’s category, first place winners were Celina Mellor and Harrison Gape who won incredible prizes from Goombay Land.

Dog Days Half Marathon co-director Siobhan Antoni-Bates is appreciative of the support the event has received from Grand Bahama community.

“We are so thrilled to have completed our 5th year of Dog Days, and we feel that the event gets better every year. We extend a huge ‘thank you’ to our participants, especially our corporate sector, they are the ones that keep this race alive! We thank everyone for all they do, as we will be able to help so many due to what they give.”

For a full list of race winners and times, visit https://www.grandbahamadogdayshalfmarathon.com

The 2020 Grand Bahama Dog Days Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, March 14 and, with the popularity growing, you may want to start training now.